Whitts starting to go backwards

Rubbish. He was used much further forward by Jones than he has been by Malky. Hes getting deeper every week and before long he will be in goals.

In the 10/11 season he was used on occasion in a central three with Mcphail holding.

Sorry but that's ally not the case, I know because it irritated me, Olofinjana was used further forward than him. His attacking runs were a a left midfielder in the 09/10 season. He has been a deep midfield player for nearly three years no. Just when he's out of com it's more noticeable.

Sorry but to claim he played as deep then as what he is now is ludicrous.

Mcphail played 28 league games season 10/11 please dont tell me Whitts played deeper than Mcphail thats absolute nonsense.

One thing I'd like to point out...

When we play away, have a gander at the match programme.
No matter where you go it shows today's visitors etc etc and who are the danger men or who to look out for.

First name is usually Bellamy. 2nd is always Whitts. When Bellers wasn't here - then Whitts was always the major threat City had.

I've said this for months now, but it doesn't take a bloody genius to fathom out that by playing Whitts so deep and letting him operate just outside our own box this totally and utterly nullifies his "threat". I just don't understand what Malky is thinking? Yes I do think Whitts can be a play maker. Put his foot on the ball (ala McPhail) but not at the expense of scoring or more importantly creating chances for others.
The style City play recently (winning ugly) has if we're all brutally honest, been terrible. Scraping victories out of the depths of defeat, Marshall's heroics, opposition goal keeper calamities. City struggle to string 3 passes together. No-one except maybe Bellers, Noone and Kim look confident on the ball.

If you didn't support City and watched them on Sky for the first time, you'd be left wondering how shit must the rest of the Championship be if these guys are top!!!

I am not a "in Malky we trust" (as you can most probably gather) as I think yes he has instilled a good work ethic. Great. Fantastic. Never say die and hard to beat. On the other hand, I think tactically he's so green it's untrue. I worry all he knows is how to play like a centre back. No flair or desire to keep the ball on the deck. Rather route one hooooof.

Why don't we get many penalties?
Because no bugger apart from Noone runs with the ball.

Why are we so reliant on our midfield to score the goals?
Because when our forwards normally get the ball, it's been hoofed 40 yards by Turner.

Don't let the league position fool you.
This season ain't over yet.

New striker with an eye for goal please asap.


Amen. Praise the Lord.

Rubbish. He was used much further forward by Jones than he has been by Malky. Hes getting deeper every week and before long he will be in goals.

In the 10/11 season he was used on occasion in a central three with Mcphail holding.

Sorry but that's ally not the case, I know because it irritated me, Olofinjana was used further forward than him. His attacking runs were a a left midfielder in the 09/10 season. He has been a deep midfield player for nearly three years no. Just when he's out of com it's more noticeable.

Sorry but to claim he played as deep then as what he is now is ludicrous.

Mcphail played 28 league games season 10/11 please dont tell me Whitts played deeper than Mcphail thats absolute nonsense.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=74863&p=704995&hilit=Olofinjana+Whitts#p704995

Under Malky and I lay the blame firmly at Malkys door.

Whites is being wasted in front of the back four and is starting to look a shadow of the free scoring attacking midfielder we seen under Jones.

His body language is telling me he is getting fed up.

Is it that there is no one in the back, who can distribute the ball, ok he's not doing that very well now, but maybe that's part of the thinking behind it, agree totally with you though.

Rubbish. He was used much further forward by Jones than he has been by Malky. Hes getting deeper every week and before long he will be in goals.

In the 10/11 season he was used on occasion in a central three with Mcphail holding.

Sorry but that's ally not the case, I know because it irritated me, Olofinjana was used further forward than him. His attacking runs were a a left midfielder in the 09/10 season. He has been a deep midfield player for nearly three years no. Just when he's out of com it's more noticeable.

Sorry but to claim he played as deep then as what he is now is ludicrous.

Mcphail played 28 league games season 10/11 please dont tell me Whitts played deeper than Mcphail thats absolute nonsense.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=74863&p=704995&hilit=Olofinjana+Whitts#p704995

Where does that say Whitts was deeper than Mcphail?!??

Our side is crying out for a Derry type player who can not only sweep up in front of the back four but pass it well. The reason we have Whitts playing deep is because no one else is that good distribution wise but the problem then is a vicious circle as when we get forward there is no real midfield threat there.

Mutch and Aron are good at their jobs but more suited as DM's in a 4-5-1. We need a Derry. He let Taarabt play in CAM in the diamond and we need a reliable CDM who can distribute to let Whittingham be our CAM in behind the strikers.

Polo is 100% right on this. Under Jones Whitts was far more advanced and attacking. We need a CDM who can not only sweep up but can distribute the ball effectively to restart the attack. No one can name a top side that does not have this type of player, even Barcelona have Busquets to do this dirty work.

Our side is crying out for a Derry type player who can not only sweep up in front of the back four but pass it well. The reason we have Whitts playing deep is because no one else is that good distribution wise but the problem then is a vicious circle as when we get forward there is no real midfield threat there.

Mutch and Aron are good at their jobs but more suited as DM's in a 4-5-1. We need a Derry. He let Taarabt play in CAM in the diamond and we need a reliable CDM who can distribute to let Whittingham be our CAM in behind the strikers.

Polo is 100% right on this. Under Jones Whitts was far more advanced and attacking. We need a CDM who can not only sweep up but can distribute the ball effectively to restart the attack. No one can name a top side that does not have this type of player, even Barcelona have Busquets to do this dirty work.

Despite a link to a post where e says the exact opposite Seriously if this tool is agreeing with you you've got to have a rethink.

I've had a quick look at some 10/11 games and I can't see any games, apart from early in the season where Whitts Oli and McPhail were a three, Whitts went back to being a winger with Bellamy and Bothroyd up front at the end. Oli was joined by Ramsey then McPhail in the middle.

No one here disagrees that Whitts is probably more effective further forward but this idea he has never been effectively as deep as he is currently is wrong.

As for a CDM yeah I think Malky thought Mutch was the answer but it hasn't worked out.

Where did I say the opposite???

On the occasion he Jones did play Oli further forward I said "Jones had lost the plot".

Youve just gone back on what you said, you claim hes been DM for 3 years then you claim he was pushed back out to the wing???

Despite a link to a post where e says the exact opposite Seriously if this tool is agreeing with you you've got to have a rethink.

Provide citation if it occurred. That'll easily back up your claim.

As for tool, more educated than yourself pal, thats all im going to say on that subject. Its a road I've walked down plenty of times and have more pressing concerns at the moment than the argument you are trying to push here.

well i did say in a different post that i think cowie should play but u abused me polo, but ask yourself this question, who is more mobile getting back to help which would help whitts push on.....Don cowie or gunnar? who will keep the ball on the deck and once he's passed go looking for the next one....cowie or gunnar? im not making out he's world class, i just want a steady midfielder who is constantly moving. can u see my point at all?

well i did say in a different post that i think cowie should play but u abused me polo, but ask yourself this question, who is more mobile getting back to help which would help whitts push on.....Don cowie or gunnar? who will keep the ball on the deck and once he's passed go looking for the next one....cowie or gunnar? im not making out he's world class, i just want a steady midfielder who is constantly moving. can u see my point at all?

Gunnar and Mutch over Cowie

And I didnt abuse you I said "Hi Don". Thats not abusive

Would love olufinjana back for that sort of holding role. Or stick Gunnarsson there

Under Malky and I lay the blame firmly at Malkys door.

Whites is being wasted in front of the back four and is starting to look a shadow of the free scoring attacking midfielder we seen under Jones.

His body language is telling me he is getting fed up.

Oh polo how I missed thee for a day or two lol
Another spot on observation from yourself

I have said this before and got shot down for it myself, whitts regularly took shots other than free kicks under jones as he was close to the oppositions box only time I see him their now is for a freek kick hence why his scoring had dried up and he looks out of form and also frustrated like you said

Despite a link to a post where e says the exact opposite Seriously if this tool is agreeing with you you've got to have a rethink.

Provide citation if it occurred. That'll easily back up your claim.

As for tool, more educated than yourself pal, thats all im going to say on that subject. Its a road I've walked down plenty of times and have more pressing concerns at the moment than the argument you are trying to push here.

It's in this thread also you can be as educated as you want and still be a tool. Seria A scout though

Yes when Jones pushed Whitts back it wasn't a great move but as he only bought in Oli as a defensive midfielder with no cover (and lone behold he was shite) he tried to mix it up. But last season Whitts played largely deep and was effective and he has done virtually all this season and has been very effective until he lost form. That's where he is at the mo, playing him LW or CAM isn't some miracle cure. He'll come good again before too long.

I think in MM's ideal first XI all on form Whitt's is further forward with Mutch holding. But Mutch can't get on the bench at the mo. Gunnarson there isn't that effective (maybe more than Whitts at the mo but there we are)

One thing I'd like to point out...

When we play away, have a gander at the match programme.
No matter where you go it shows today's visitors etc etc and who are the danger men or who to look out for.

First name is usually Bellamy. 2nd is always Whitts. When Bellers wasn't here - then Whitts was always the major threat City had.

I've said this for months now, but it doesn't take a bloody genius to fathom out that by playing Whitts so deep and letting him operate just outside our own box this totally and utterly nullifies his "threat". I just don't understand what Malky is thinking? Yes I do think Whitts can be a play maker. Put his foot on the ball (ala McPhail) but not at the expense of scoring or more importantly creating chances for others.
The style City play recently (winning ugly) has if we're all brutally honest, been terrible. Scraping victories out of the depths of defeat, Marshall's heroics, opposition goal keeper calamities. City struggle to string 3 passes together. No-one except maybe Bellers, Noone and Kim look confident on the ball.

If you didn't support City and watched them on Sky for the first time, you'd be left wondering how shit must the rest of the Championship be if these guys are top!!!

I am not a "in Malky we trust" (as you can most probably gather) as I think yes he has instilled a good work ethic. Great. Fantastic. Never say die and hard to beat. On the other hand, I think tactically he's so green it's untrue. I worry all he knows is how to play like a centre back. No flair or desire to keep the ball on the deck. Rather route one hooooof.

Why don't we get many penalties?
Because no bugger apart from Noone runs with the ball.

Why are we so reliant on our midfield to score the goals?
Because when our forwards normally get the ball, it's been hoofed 40 yards by Turner.

Don't let the league position fool you.
This season ain't over yet.

New striker with an eye for goal please asap.


Amen. Praise the Lord.

Agree with this post.......need to be stronger in midfield for me as well...all the talk is about a striker and full back, however I feel the midfield that wasn't good enough last season needs an inject of pace and class!

A lot of Whitts effective play this season has been from his corners and free kicks. He rarely gets in the box / edge of the box to shoot / create opportunitys for others.

Of course there is no cast iron guarantree but if he was given more licence to move forward by Malky I am pretty sure we would start flying again.

Weve been winnin ugly, which is fine, 3 points is 3 points, but I dont think we can keep scraping wins with that kind of performance.

Something needs to change.

Whits is doing job for the team. I do think he's being played outw of position, I'd guess that he thinks it as we'll, as does malky, but we are top of the league and extended it this weekend. So lets not say malky is tactically green shall we. Not many managers in this game have league winners medals, and malky is well on his way to achieving it.

I remember before the league started and many many people as did I thought we had no chance of being in this position. Many weren't even predicting play offs...

Despite a link to a post where e says the exact opposite Seriously if this tool is agreeing with you you've got to have a rethink.

Provide citation if it occurred. That'll easily back up your claim.

As for tool, more educated than yourself pal, thats all im going to say on that subject. Its a road I've walked down plenty of times and have more pressing concerns at the moment than the argument you are trying to push here.

It's in this thread also you can be as educated as you want and still be a tool. Seria A scout though

Yes when Jones pushed Whitts back it wasn't a great move but as he only bought in Oli as a defensive midfielder with no cover (and lone behold he was shite) he tried to mix it up. But last season Whitts played largely deep and was effective and he has done virtually all this season and has been very effective until he lost form. That's where he is at the mo, playing him LW or CAM isn't some miracle cure. He'll come good again before too long.

I think in MM's ideal first XI all on form Whitt's is further forward with Mutch holding. But Mutch can't get on the bench at the mo. Gunnarson there isn't that effective (maybe more than Whitts at the mo but there we are)

Last season we played with cowie on the right a central midfield player, Conway on the left an out and out left 442 midfield and Miller up front who dropped so deep he was another central midfielder, so Whitts floated a lot more. This season with Noone on the right and HH up front with bellers we are more exposed in the middle and it is showing.

Despite a link to a post where e says the exact opposite Seriously if this tool is agreeing with you you've got to have a rethink.

Provide citation if it occurred. That'll easily back up your claim.

As for tool, more educated than yourself pal, thats all im going to say on that subject. Its a road I've walked down plenty of times and have more pressing concerns at the moment than the argument you are trying to push here.

It's in this thread also you can be as educated as you want and still be a tool. Seria A scout though

Yes when Jones pushed Whitts back it wasn't a great move but as he only bought in Oli as a defensive midfielder with no cover (and lone behold he was shite) he tried to mix it up. But last season Whitts played largely deep and was effective and he has done virtually all this season and has been very effective until he lost form. That's where he is at the mo, playing him LW or CAM isn't some miracle cure. He'll come good again before too long.

I think in MM's ideal first XI all on form Whitt's is further forward with Mutch holding. But Mutch can't get on the bench at the mo. Gunnarson there isn't that effective (maybe more than Whitts at the mo but there we are)

Last season we played with cowie on the right a central midfield player, Conway on the left an out and out left 442 midfield and Miller up front who dropped so deep he was another central midfielder, so Whitts floated a lot more. This season with Noone on the right and HH up front with bellers we are more exposed in the middle and it is showing.

Agreed again......Whitts looks less effective this year. We are definately needing some class in midfield.

A lot of Whitts effective play this season has been from his corners and free kicks. He rarely gets in the box / edge of the box to shoot / create opportunitys for others.

Of course there is no cast iron guarantree but if he was given more licence to move forward by Malky I am pretty sure we would start flying again.

Weve been winnin ugly, which is fine, 3 points is 3 points, but I dont think we can keep scraping wins with that kind of performance.

Something needs to change.

We've been winning ugly since Gestede started over HH. He needs a rest so I get it, but new blood is the answer.

Whitts starting to go backwards ?
Any further back and he will be in goal
But spot on Polo

The man has played over 150 games in the last 3 seasons. 90mins in virtually all. 26 games already this, he's been in the form of his career for most of it, over 50 goals and has changed from a wide player to a central player.

He goes through a bad patch, people write them off. We, as a fan base don't deserve promotion. Good football fans stick by their team, Cardiff fans want them out the door for a 6/10 performance. Absolute joke.

I love whitts, but you gotta take off your blindfold you must've had on all year, he's been poor very poor, IMO, the odd few games where he has looked good, but that's it.... He's a 15-20 goal attacking midfielder who is being played in front of our defennce.. The one thing Malky is doing wrong i think.....
Oh and playing gestede

Remember when Wolves game were MM was on about pushing him forward well Whittingham told him he wanted to be attacking and scored a hat trick..

Under Malky and I lay the blame firmly at Malkys door.

Whites is being wasted in front of the back four and is starting to look a shadow of the free scoring attacking midfielder we seen under Jones.

His body language is telling me he is getting fed up.

He was doing well under malky until he moved him there. maybe he will put whitts back when we bring in a few players?

Under Malky and I lay the blame firmly at Malkys door.

Whites is being wasted in front of the back four and is starting to look a shadow of the free scoring attacking midfielder we seen under Jones.

His body language is telling me he is getting fed up.

He was doing well under malky until he moved him there. maybe he will put whitts back when we bring in a few players?

I pray you're right Jinks.

Whitts has been off the boil for a while now,even his free kicks struggle to get over the wall and his famous corners dont seem to beat the first man.

I really don't like the corner routines they have in place, always near post or really low balls,

Bellamy does the same, if malky is saying go near post it's stupid.

They never get anywhere with them

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Cegl_yxi6kU

Look back at how many goals we score as a result of a Whitts ball from deep.

He is playing the same role as us as Pirlo did for Italy in the Euros, stay deep and play the balls into the danger areas. I call it the 'Quarterback' role because it's very much like a NFL Quarterback.

He might be off form at the moment but let's get right behind him as that will inspire a return to form far quicker than threads like this.

Malky knows what he is doing, we're bloomin' top of the league! And Whitts has definitely never played further forward, you want a player like him to be where he can get on the ball and the further back you are the more chance you have on getting on it. See the example of Suarez yesterday for an extreme example of how playing further up means you see much less of the ball!

Whitts has been off the boil for a while now,even his free kicks struggle to get over the wall and his famous corners dont seem to beat the first man.

I really don't like the corner routines they have in place, always near post or really low balls,

Bellamy does the same, if malky is saying go near post it's stupid.

They never get anywhere with them

yet how many goals do we score from corners?


we are doing fine

The man has played over 150 games in the last 3 seasons. 90mins in virtually all. 26 games already this, he's been in the form of his career for most of it, over 50 goals and has changed from a wide player to a central player.

He goes through a bad patch, people write them off. We, as a fan base don't deserve promotion. Good football fans stick by their team, Cardiff fans want them out the door for a 6/10 performance. Absolute joke.

Wherever he plays Whitts does go through a spell when his touch isn't as good as normal - becasue his touch/'pass/dead ball can be so brilliant, the difference is much starker during this period of porrer form.

I cannpt see how you can play wide, pacy players like Noone and Bellamy, and push ytour slower but wide players like Smith and Conway out, and then push Whitts up as well - something has to give.

One place he would/could get further forward is in wide left - but as we all know he hasn't got any pace so that shags that theory.

Some have commented on forward quality affecting his depth, and that is a fair point I think - currently we don't have the quality or consistency that a Maynard would provide, moving the attack further forward, pulling central defenders quickly out of position - this too would have given Whitts more opportunity to push forward.

Whittingham is a committed, professional player who plays week in, week out for us - he isn't in good form at the moment, but I for one cannot see a replacement.

And let's not forget, EVERY team who plays us has him and Bellamy at the top of their hit list EVERY single game.

I think Malky has it about right.